Across a span of almost three decades, researchers have speculated that the research protocols used to evaluate alcohol treatments can positively affect clinical outcomes. Although well-designed alcohol treatment research protocols typically involve frequent, and often comprehensive, follow-up assessment interviews, rarely are procedures implemented to control or account for potential subject reactivity to these assessments. Consequently, the generalizability of the data may be questioned. The aim of this presentation is to provide a "weight of evidence" regarding subject reactivity effects and alcohol treatment outcome research assessment protocols. To this end, the presentation will focus on: 1) a critical review of the relevant alcohol treatment outcome literature; 2) the articulation of a theoretical model (i.e., Self-Regulation Theory) affording a relatively straight forward explanation of a mechanism by which research assessment protocols effect behavior change and/or maintenance; and 3) an analysis of data (N=188) collected as part of an alcohol treatment randomized clinical trial to investigate the relationship between research assessment protocols and subsequent drinking behaviors. Researcher attributions, theoretical considerations, and empirical investigation all provide evidence that is consistent with the existence of subject reactivity to research assessment protocols.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to: 1) discuss subject reactivity effects related to alcohol treatment research protocols; 2) describe a putative mechanism by which subject reactivity effects influence treatment outcomes; and 3) understand the importance of controlling for potential subject reactivity effects when interpreting alcohol treatment outcome data
Keywords: Alcohol, Outcomes Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.